Business Research Methods

Chapter 6:

Problem Definition

Problemdiscovery

Problem definition(statement of

research objectives)

Secondary(historical)

data

Experiencesurvey

Pilotstudy

Casestudy

Selection ofexploratory research

technique

Selection ofbasic research

method

Experiment SurveyObservation Secondary

Data StudyLaboratory Field Interview Questionnaire

Selection ofexploratory research

techniqueSampling

Probability Nonprobability

Collection ofdata

(fieldwork)

Editing andcodingdata

Dataprocessing

Interpretationof

findings

Report

DataGathering

DataProcessingandAnalysis

Conclusionsand Report

Research Design

Problem Discoveryand Definition

“The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its

solution.”

Albert Einstein

Problem Definition

• The indication of a specific business decision area that will be clarified by answering some research questions.

Statement of Research Objectives

Problem Definition

Defining Problem Results inClear Cut Research Objectives

ExploratoryResearch(Optional)

Analysis of the Situation

Symptom Detection

The Process ofProblem Definition

Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives

Understand background of the problem

Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms

Determine unit of analysis

Determine relevant variables

State research questions and objectives

7

Ascertain the Decision Maker’s Objectives

• Decision makers’ objectives

• Managerial goals expressed in measurable terms.

The Iceberg Principle

• The principle indicating that the dangerous part of many business problems is neither visible to nor understood by managers.

9

Understand the Background of the Problem

• Exercising judgment

• Situation analysis - The informal gathering of background information to familiarize researchers or managers with the decision area.

10

Isolate and Identify the Problems, Not the Symptoms

• Symptoms can be confusing

Symptoms Can Be Confusing

Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association:

• Membership has been declining for years.

• New water park -residents prefer the expensive water park????

• Demographic changes: Children have grown up

Problem DefinitionOrganization Symptoms Based on Symptom True Problem

Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association in a major city.

Membership has been declining for years. New water park with wave pool and water slides moved into town a few years ago.

Neighborhood residents prefer the expensive water park and have negative image of swimming pool.

Demographic changes: Children in this 20-year-old neighborhood have grown up. Older residents no longer swim anywhere.

TOTIEMULESTO

What Language Is Written on This Stone Found by

Archaeologists?

TOTIEMULESTO

The Language Is English: To Tie Mules To

Problem definitionCreativity techniques

Analytical Intuitive

Progressive abstraction Associations/ImagesInterrogatories (5W’s+H) Wishful thinkingBoundary examinations Brain storming

Analogy/metaphor

Individuals vs. groups

Problem definitionGAP analysis

Unintendedsituation

Normalsituation

Idealsituation

Problemdefinition

Definition ofopportunities

Disturbing problems Entrepreneurial problems

Problem definitionProgressive Abstraction Technique

1. Basic description of the problem2. Gradually moving towards a higher level of abstraction

(until a usable definition has been reached)- the problem is automatically extended, new definitions

may show up- new definitions can be evaluated regarding applicability- when a higher level of abstraction has been reached, it is

often easier to identify solutions3. The decision maker/analyst is forced into a systematic

way of searching for substructures and relationships

Problem definitionBoundary examination technique

1. Purpose: to restructure the assumptions and to develop new ways of looking at the problem2. Procedure:•describe the problem, as it looks at the moment•identify key elements in the definition and examine them to reveal underlying assumptions•analyse each assumption and identify its causes and effects•redefine the problem based on the deeper understanding of the elements achieved during this process•3. Advantages:•provocative definition of the problem•reveals limits which are difficult to identify•stresses the need of a flexible definition of the problem

Problem definitionInterrogatories W’s+H

(who, what, where, when, why, how)

1. Purpose: To make sure that all aspects of the problemhas been considered

2. Procedure:- construct questions for each of the 5 W’s+H- answer the questions- evaluate the proposed answers- if an improvement shows up: is it cost efficient? if so change accordingly

Very efficient technique which can be applied in any phases of the problem definition

Problem definitionWishful thinking technique

1. Purpose: To isolate the process of defining the problem fromnon-recognized but irrelevant alternative assumptions

2. Procedure:- formulate questions, targets, situations or a problem- accept that everything is possible- use imagination to formulate statements like: “I would like to..” or “If I could choose…”- examine each statement and apply it as a stimuli- return to reality and formulate statements like: “Even if I can’t do it, then I can…”- repeat the last three steps if needed

Problem definitionBrain storming

1. Purpose: To generate as many ideas as possible

2. Procedure:- select a problem, which all participants have some knowledge/

experience about- describe the problem in a neutral way- write down all suggestions on a board, so everybody can see them- evaluation must not start until all ideas have been mentioned- try to force more ideas- strive for as many ideas as possible so quality can be extracted from

quantity- accept all ideas - even the most absurd- stimulate associations and extensions of generated ideas

22

Determine the Unit of Analysis

• Individuals, households, organizations, etc.

• In many studies, the family rather than the individual is the appropriate unit of analysis.

23

Determine the Relevant Variable

• Anything that may assume different numerical values

Types of Variables

• Categorical

• Continuous

• Dependent

• Independent

Hypothesis

• An unproven proposition

• A possible solution to a problem

• Guess

26

State the research questions and research objectives

If you do not know where you are going,any road will take you there.

Statement of business

problem

Exploratory research (optional)

Statement of business

problem

Broad research

objectives

Specific Objective 1

Specific Objective 2

Specific Objective 3

Research Design

Results

Influences of definition

Statementof Problem

ExploratoryResearch

(Optional)

BroadResearch

Objectives

SpecificObjective III

SpecificObjective I

SpecificObjective II

ResearchDesign

Results

Feedback

The Process ofProblem Definition

Ascertain the decision maker’s objectives

Understand background of the problem

Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms

Determine unit of analysis

Determine relevant variables

State research questions and objectives

Basic Questions - Problem Definition

• What is the purpose of the study?• How much is already known?• Is additional background information necessary?• What is to be measured? How?• Can the data be made available?• Should research be conducted?• Can a hypothesis be formulated?

Basic Questions - Basic Research Design

• What types of questions need to be answered?

• Are descriptive or causal findings required?

• What is the source of the data?

Basic Questions - Basic Research Design

• Can objective answers be obtained by asking people?

• How quickly is the information needed?

• How should survey questions be worded?

• How should experimental manipulations be made?